Dedicated to serving those whose lives have been touched by loss

Saturday, November 20th is National Survivor of Suicide Day

This Saturday November 20th is National Survivor of Suicide Day. On this day, survivors gather across the country to watch a message of hope and healing. There is still a lot of stigma attached to death by suicide and it’s easy to feel alone in grief when you are one of the survivors. It is a relief and comfort to me to gather with others on this special day, so that I reiterate to myself that I am not the only one.

Five years ago, my friend took his life by suicide on Thanksgiving Day. It’s hard to believe that so much time has passed. I never knew grief could be so overwhelming and all consuming, especially the feelings of anger and guilt. There are so many questions when someone takes their life and it’s hard to come to peace with never having the answers.

It has forever changed the way that I celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead of gathering with family that day, as before, I spend the day with my husband. It’s more low key and more comforting. It’s a time for me to pause, give thanks for all the blessings in my life, and remember my friend.

As someone who has always loved Christmas, I remember listening to Christmas music that first year and breaking down in tears. The song Let it Be Christmas by Alan Jackson would especially get to me. Five years later, that song still gets to me sometimes.

I think of my friend often throughout the year, but more so at this time of year. The grief is not all consuming anymore, but it still gets triggered every once in awhile, like when writing this article. As I continue on my grief journey, it’s nice to have a day to honor my friend and focus on my healing. I hope that if you are a survivor, that you will join us this Saturday November 20th for one of the events around the country or watch the broadcast at www.afsp.org.